Six Volcanoes In Indonesia Are Currently On Alert To Warning Status

Thursday, 14 Nov 2024

By deriz@insightinnews.com A total of six volcanoes are currently on alert and warning status, with a significant increase in volcanic activity observed in recent days. Muhammad Wafid, the head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that all volcanoes are under comprehensive monitoring. "We are closely identifying those experiencing heightened activity, such as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, Iya, Marapi, and others. I believe this presents a challenge for us moving forward," Wafid remarked, as reported by Antara on Saturday, November 9, 2024. According to the activity level data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency, as of Saturday, five volcanoes are on alert status, while one is on warning status. The volcanoes on alert include Mount Awu in the Sangihe Islands, North Sulawesi; Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island, Maluku; Mount Iya in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara; Mount Marapi in Tanah Datar and Agam Regencies, West Sumatra; and Mount Merapi in Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The volcano on warning status is Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, which was designated as such since early Monday, November 4, 2024. "We consistently communicate with the public, particularly local governments, regarding the status increase to serve as a reference for anticipating any potential developments," Wafid added. Several significant activities have been observed by the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG). For instance, Mount Merapi experienced 11 lava flows, with a maximum distance of 1.6 kilometers, accompanied by seismic activity related to the eruption on Friday, November 8, 2024. More recently, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted, releasing volcanic ash approximately 9 kilometers into the atmosphere from the summit of the volcano, or 10 kilometers above sea level, on Saturday morning. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki was notably larger than the four eruptions that occurred on Friday between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM WITA, which produced volcanic ash columns ranging from 2.5 meters to 8,000 meters in height. In light of this, Wafid has assured that the volcanology personnel will remain vigilant and prepared, not only for observation but also for immediate response.

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